A thoughtful compilation and analysis of some important, but underreported and under-researched news stories, with particular focus on keeping the People informed about all Enemies, Foreign and Domestic.

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Friday, January 28, 2005

International Press Attempts to Portray China's Stance on Taiwan as 'Softening'

"China softens tone on issue of Taiwan talks" reads the headline. 'Great', I think as I click on the link to see the story, 'maybe China has acquired an understanding of what basic human rights are.' No such luck. The headline by Jim Yardley and Chris Buckley of the New York Times is, in my opinion, a blatant attempt to mislead the reader. China refuses to recognize Taiwanese independence. How is this a softer stance? In defense of the authors, despite the irresponsible title, their article admits that China's recent statements that seem to "soften China's usual harsh line against Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian" are actually a "rhetorical shift that seemed more about tone than substance." All in all, a fair article guys. Watch the headlines though. People who just skim the headlines will think that China is softening its stance on Taiwan, which it isn't. "China still will not recognize Taiwanese independence." And their promise to crush Taiwan militarily if they make a formal statement presumably still stands.

"If you love wealth more than liberty,
the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom,
depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms.
Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest
lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."